The band's sound has been described as "Soundgarden, Tool, Black Sabbath, Oceansize and Pink Floyd taking copious amounts of mind-altering substances and venturing on a trip through time and space (to another dimension), and back again." Their music is characterised by guitarist Sel Balamir's effects pedals, extended heavy sections, atmospheric compositions and philosophical lyrics.
https://www.amplifierband.com/
Neon
Amplifier Lyrics
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From the boys and the girls and the vortex sing.
Just a second to hang upon my ears.
Just a second to taste the salty tears.
Judge not least you may be judged.
Judge not least you may be judged.
Judged by me,
Least you may be
Destroyed by me.
Trouble come down on shoulders quick.
And put a hymn of neon upon my lips.
Now I'm spiralling into the void.
My atoms split as love's reward.
For the ten percent that I can't afford.
Well maybe I'd fly free as a bird.
Judge not least you may be judged.
Judge not least you may be
Judged by me,
Judged by me.
Least you may be
Destroyed by me.
And without sleep, without remorse.
Well, we're stuck on head-collision course.
But my plate's already full,
Of selfish people with selfish desires.
And don't climb so high
That you can't come down.
To tumble now is to surely die.
Judge not least you may be judged.
Least you may be
Judged by me.
Judged by me.
Least you may be
Loved by me, by me.
Judge not least you may be judged.
Judge not least you may be judged.
Least you may be judged.
Least you may be judged.
Least you may be judged.
Least you may be loved.
The song "Neon" by Amplifier suggests that the singer is sensing trouble or danger through their "spider sense." The boys, girls, and vortex are all singing, but they only take a second to catch the singer's attention. The salty tears are briefly tasted before the singer warns against judging others, lest they be judged by the singer. The phrase "destroyed by me" is repeated, emphasizing the power dynamic at play in this situation.
The hymn of neon is placed upon the singer's lips, possibly a reference to the bright and flashy nature of neon lights. The singer spirals into the void after something troubles them, their atoms splitting as a reward for love. The singer cannot afford to give 10% of themselves, but they may be able to fly free like a bird if they could. The final warning comes from the singer cautioning against climbing too high, as one may fall and "surely die." The singer ends on a note of judgment, suggesting that the listener may be both judged and loved by them.
Overall, the song seems to be about a narrator sensing danger and warning others against judging or crossing them. The use of neon imagery suggests a flashy and superficial world, while the repeated emphasis on power dynamics suggests a struggle for control or dominance.
Line by Line Meaning
My spider sense is tingling.
I have a gut feeling that something is about to happen.
From the boys and the girls and the vortex sing.
The energy in the atmosphere is electric and everyone is radiating it.
Just a second to hang upon my ears.
The intensity of the moment is so high that time seems to slow down.
Just a second to taste the salty tears.
In this moment of intense emotions, even tears taste salty.
Judge not least you may be judged.
Do not pass judgement on others as you may be judged for your own actions.
Trouble come down on shoulders quick.
Problems and challenges can come without warning and can weigh heavily on us.
And put a hymn of neon upon my lips.
Despite the difficulties, I am still hopeful and optimistic.
Now I'm spiralling into the void.
I feel like I am losing control and spiralling into darkness.
My atoms split as love's reward.
Love is causing a chemical reaction within me, changing me at a fundamental level.
For the ten percent that I can't afford.
There are things in life that I want but cannot have because they are too costly.
Well maybe I'd fly free as a bird.
If I could let go of my desires and attachments, I could be truly free.
And without sleep, without remorse.
I am so focused on my goals that I am willing to sacrifice my own well-being and not regret it.
Well, we're stuck on head-collision course.
The situation is so intense that it feels like we are headed for a major clash or conflict.
But my plate's already full, of selfish people with selfish desires.
I am surrounded by people who only care about themselves and their own wants.
And don't climb so high that you can't come down.
Do not take on more than you can handle, otherwise the fall will be much harder.
To tumble now is to surely die.
If I make a mistake or fail at this point, it could be catastrophic.
Least you may be loved by me, by me.
Despite the challenges and difficulties, I still have love to give.
Least you may be judged.
Even though I do not want to pass judgement on others, it may still happen.
Least you may be judged.
There is always a possibility that you will be judged for your actions.
Least you may be judged.
Judgement is a natural human tendency that we must actively work to overcome.
Least you may be judged.
We should strive to treat others with kindness and empathy, rather than judgement.
Least you may be loved.
We should also strive to love others without judgement, regardless of their flaws or mistakes.
Contributed by Riley A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Karolcia1993
criminally underrated more, they deserve so much more
Kane Skelly
One of their best songs, this is so damn quiet...love the band, hope to see me when i get back from ozzie!
Drunk Sloppy
second song i've heard by this band.... i feel obligated to listen to more of this band as i LOVE the two songs so far.
Jarbizu800
First time listening to this group. Pretty cool.
Gaurav Basu
COME TO INDIA DAMMIT !!!!! Leaving that out, this album is one of the most well written albums I have heard in my life
Marcus Mührmann-Lund
One of the best bands ever, with one of their best songs.
HeroiK
one of the best bands ever live saw thm in camden amazing gig, foir a three piece they sound like a 9 piece and thats live too!!!! <3 wp
Rich
This is a beast of a song! Don't foget Airborne or Panzer or Motorhead though! And everyone loves The Consultancy!
calculoramas
I can't find this album on internet, the last thing i get on the internet when i search "amplifier" is you... I really really like your second album, "insider", great record. I hope you come to Argentina someday!!
samlaleo
coolest band - loving this tune big time...